Students to blast off into space and science fields
Students at the College of Southern Nevada’s Charleston campus will have a chance to venture into research-driven fields with help from a grant aimed at increasing interest in Nevada’s future space- and science-related industries.
The Nevada System of Higher Education was awarded $500,000 through the Nevada NASA Space Grant Consortium for the creation of a new program titled A Community College Partnership Creating a Community of Practice Model to Engage and Retain Minority Students.
“Our overall goal is to increase students’ experience with research and science in general,” said Camille Naaktgeboren, program director. “When it comes to science, students always picture a white guy with crazy hair in a lab coat. Most students think they don’t fit that profile. We want to give them the confidence so that they understand they can do anything they want to do.”
Community of Practice was developed for community colleges to introduce students to science, technology, engineering and math education disciplines.
“The program recruits students to engage them at a higher level of thinking and hands-on activities,” said Lori Brazfield, director of the Nevada System Sponsored Programs office. “CSN is leading the community of practice model.”
Starting in the spring, 15 students are set to receive a $2,000 scholarship, individualized degree planning and weekly interdisciplinary biological and physical science study and inquiry as they work toward associate of science degrees.
Naaktgeboren said she plans to have students meet every Friday to do hands-on activities, journal reviews, writing, scientific reading and learn lab skills.
Students will have a chance to work with faculty members to conduct their own research in a lab or field.
“We want to match students with what they’re interested in,” Naaktgeboren said. “It could be environmental science, astronomy or chemistry. We’re open to hearing their ideas.”
The program will support faculty members as they present science content in ways that impact student persistence and graduation attainment.
“Allowing students to learn about research in a community college setting will prepare them for their four-year degree,” Brazfield said. “It will provide them with a foundation at an earlier stage in their life.”
Students who apply for the grant are encouraged to participate in the program for two years.
Once a month, students will also connect with students from Western Nevada College, Great Basin College and Truckee Meadows Community College via a video conference to discuss various topics, participate in group activities and listen to guest speakers.
Naaktgeboren said there are 40 scholarships available for the fall semester. Students interested in a STEM major can start applying for them in the spring and summer.
“CSN is leading the community of practice model,” Brazfield said. “Nationally it’s a very hot topic. There’s a definite need for students to gravitate towards science-related fields. This grant will make us more competitive on a national level.”
For more information or to apply for the program for the next semester, email Naaktgeboren at cnaaktgeboren@csn.edu.
Contact North View reporter Sandy Lopez at slopez@viewnews.com or 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.